Retire immediately; let no flatterer persuade you to rest one hour longer
at the helm of state. You are utterly incapable to steer the political ship
into the harbour of safety. If you have any love for your country, leave
its affairs to the wisdom of your fellow citizens; do not flatter yourself
with the idea that you know their interests better than other men; there
are thousands amongst them who equal you in capacity, and who excel
you in knowledge.

Such was the advice given by a newspaper writer to the president of the United States. Though it sounds as if it might be a recommendation given
to several twentieth-century officeholders, it is actually the comments that
"Scipio" directed to George Washington in 1795.
1 The tension between
the press and public officials that seems so obvious and almost overwhelming
today actually began almost as soon as the United States came into existence
and has continued ever since. Even the "Father of His Country," George
Washington, faced a variety of media criticisms while holding the nation's
highest office.

Throughout his adult fife, George Washington had interactions with the
press. As a Virginia planter, he used local newspapers to advertise for horses
and jackasses for sale or for use as stud animals. As Commander in Chief of
the Continental Army during the American Revolution, he feared the media
gave too much military information to the British, but he still encouraged
the use of newspapers in order to boost American morale. As president, he
perceived the importance of the press in keeping the people informed, but
he also became increasingly upset over media attacks aimed at him person-

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